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the only way to it when in its glory, and is the easiest at
present, he would have observed a square area that had been
fortified with a deep moat, and connected with the castle by a
draw-bridge, where was probably the base court. The stones are
now entirely removed, and the ground levelled, 'and laughing
Ceres reassumes the land.' The present structure was undoubtedly
raised by the first Barons of Kendal, and probably on the ruins
of a Roman station; this being the most eligible site in the
country for a summer encampment, and at a small distance from
Watercrook. There are still some remains of a dark red freestone,
used in facings, and in the doors and windows, and have been
brought from the environs of Penrith, more probably by the
Romans, than by either the Saxon or Norman Lords. Fame says this
castle held out against Oliver Cromwell, and was battered from
the Castle-law-hill, but this is not so probable, as that its
present ruinous state is owing to the jealousy of that usurper.
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There is a most pleasant morning ride of five miles, down the
east side of the river. Watercrook is one mile distant, on the
right, close by the side of the Kent. This is the Concangium of
the Romans, where a body of the Vigilatores (or watchmen) kept
guard, and was the intermediate station betwixt the Dictis at
Ambleside, and the garrison at
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